The wanna be GTE

[Martin.p]

Thought I'd start a thread about my new nova so all the bits I do to it can all be in one place.

To start with I've not long bought a 1.4 H reg luxe off a old school friend.
The previous owner had lowered it on 30mm H+R springs with bilstein B8 shocks all bushes changed for power flex poly, quick shift gear linkage 2.5 Turn steering rack,tow and camber shims,
Befor I scrapped my old GTE he bought and fitted my old GTE break discs, calipers and servo. The rear taution bar and front strut brace and GTE front seats.
(So having this car is abit like having part of my old GTE back)

I miss my old nova :( and want this one to look simaler to it. Since its a H reg it would of been a GSI anyway not a GTE! So I guess I'm re building a GSI because I miss mt GTE :)

Pics, first is what I've bought a week ago!
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/C1BC52CB-4E4D-4E2D-AF33-EAB016CFC610-2636-000003E3E64EB536.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/F8763A67-04F5-49CC-B493-CDF2213D520B-288-0000006488BDC9E9.jpg

And what she looks like now

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/5519A441-D52C-4E6A-97D8-8232F0DF39CF-288-0000006436848C11-3.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/AF158BC7-C491-4B3E-9167-F00518B403EF-288-00000064428A7EBB-1.jpg

And what I used to have! The thing that spurs me along in owning another nova

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/BD3A59ED-7D10-4760-BACF-67FE6252789E-288-0000006454366F22.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/39DD26C9-17A8-4866-AEC3-3EC488952FF6-288-000000645F3FDB69.jpg

It's only been done with rattle cans for now! But the hole thing is going to need doing all over properly next year. (once welded) but at least it will do for now. :)

[Martin.p]

Note: This is not a post about my garden for no reason.

befor any work can start on my Nova I need a space that I can do it in. My Calibra 4x4 T takes up the garage so thats that!
So the next best thing is the front part of my garden! which the Mrs is over the moon about!
But to do this I'm going to have to make one of my fence panels into a gate so I can get it in! and take down a small hedge, lay some slabs to be able to work on! (I'm not laying in the grass and mud!) and put up a shead to put all the bits that come off the car into!
so 7.30 this morning the garden looked like this
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/97635692-1E39-4DFE-8AEF-DA92BA553FF1-5335-000007168B996A28.jpg

Very unlevel as well

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/CDB18D9F-B2D0-4501-80E3-EC10FD128B36-5335-00000716A4538B67.jpg
the fence at the end that new shead is leaning against will be the new gate (off side of my drive way)

So up with the grass (23 square meters)
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/5C3AAD60-C5B6-4A98-A1CB-82AC8F8FE4B9-5335-00000716AD612071.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/EF320371-3E50-47B4-9560-E92B22B1310C-5335-00000716C01BBFF7.jpg

then after lots of work laying slabs (which are not perfectly flat) but ok to work on the garden looks like this
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/4AC5AC86-8B27-420E-88F1-C21DB5310CCA-5335-00000716CD582AC0.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/3A5FF0DA-77DA-4DD0-B41D-B96C9FBB1222-5335-00000716D9517184.jpg

the car will fit down the side of shead and sit on the paved area and be shut off at both ends by fence and gates to stop kids and dogs running past every 2 sec.

[Martin.p]

well ive been at the garden every night and again this weekend and finaly got the car in. :)
to start the fence had to become a gate
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/B6A92E4D-2D91-43B1-B14D-B1FC74DACA60-1867-0000033ACF01E51B.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/377835B1-F138-4AED-BAED-31BE03AFBE6C-1867-0000033AE7BA6255.jpg

then the car just about fit in past the shead!

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/C46CCBFE-D25F-4B72-AF59-1E2752D1903D-1867-0000033AF17A7A7F.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/7F835CEF-EA28-45DB-9889-52139E7F04BA-1867-0000033B15DB3AA1.jpg

But it was silly tight to get in! so the shead got moved to the other end and things re aranged

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/F10E191A-AEC8-4204-9405-FF9D65BD9B8F-1867-0000033B356EDAAA.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/5F4A1D6B-E3FC-4CD7-8DAC-35103A9E8840-1867-0000033B46106CBF.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/2FA15B03-0D0A-443D-B107-D29EFEBBCDBF-1867-0000033B58F726B3.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/5E6C2C7D-973F-49C6-BE5E-D081DC2B87FB-1867-0000033B27B6A8A0.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/6D55CC7A-7C88-4D82-BCEB-0D0D268F4E46-1867-0000033B729448C1.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/64AFE8B9-4F43-4980-9E56-7788B6655655-1867-0000033B6B3F7C02.jpg

the best thing ive seen out the kitchen window in 12 years!

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/F7FC640F-B4EC-4141-A0B0-C234B2493D78-1867-0000033B857650A7.jpg

[scott.parker]

Good idea dude, like it keeps the scrots away!

[Martin.p]

Yeah. Main reason is my Calibra stays in garage and I didn't want to strip the nova on drive and block cally in garage. So have had to make area where I'll be able to work on car ( when I start next spring )

[Balley]

Looks smart. Good idea!

[Martin.p]

Still getting ready for striping car
Car port has been going up over the last week

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/5582D5D4-8EB7-409B-B02A-10EB09788714-5891-000009AE219D7E1F.jpg

And new wheels for car. Look better IMO

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/43246C42-B0F2-4522-93E0-A45688CA1DF1-5891-000009AFEEEA8272.jpg

[Rickyb]

im liking this even the garden idea as ive got loads of waisted land round my house and this has given me an idea so i can work on my nova cheers.
rick

[Martin.p]

Work has begun at last :).
She was backed into the area I've been preparing for the last few months for the last time!
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/F1AB0416-058C-4DBF-AD45-146DFD1AE455-760-000000D7EA20EFA9.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/DBAC6E6B-F769-4203-8958-B0C7EE72F4A2-760-000000D80691194D.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/5930A029-B4D3-4035-A678-04C49666E5F5-760-000000D83484A03C.jpg

Some nice bits to find as I was pulling it apart :)
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/7AE34731-4349-490A-83AB-6750AC8FAFAC-760-000000D81A851212.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/C4ED521C-B03E-4E08-B2A1-E305ABA346F7-760-000000D8248590F0.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/0D5C5182-0EE3-4747-A36C-63E8E14D96C1-760-000000D83BA8C695.jpg

No more 1.4!

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/556D1581-EFC3-43E5-AE4F-34F95D323804-14628-00001991530E8ECA.jpg

[BRoadGhost]

Brilliant little spot to work on it :)

[Martin.p]

Thanks, Quite pleased with it myself. Ok it's not as nice as a proper workshop with ramps and 4 walls but I'm 90% in the dry and penned in from wind to a certain extent. And it's lit at night 8)

Wind was a main concern as I want to use gas mig when stitching seams and other work. So wouldn't want gas shield blowing away out in open.

[Martin.p]

Been and got a boot full of goodies today

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/9DAF30D6-75D9-44C8-8AD8-491B94CAC3C8-3568-000004895A7EE4F9.jpg

Redtop, this is nova! Nova, this is redtop your new engine!
Ok it's a bit premature! But it's things like this that spur me on into doing all the jobs that are not fun!
Oh and coz funds where there! So strike while the iron is hot!

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/FBB076EC-9767-42B0-B18E-E84F75E081BF-3568-0000048961D89D90.jpg

Now I need to get on with stripping the car, making a spit for it, fixing all the rust,seam welding, strenghaning, painting and soooooo much more!!

[Andy]

Excellent,top marks for making the area.
I would be tempted to seal that off completely as you have fence covering most of one side,and your house at other.
Wouldnt take much more really.

[Martin.p]

Excellent,top marks for making the area.
I would be tempted to seal that off completely as you have fence covering most of one side,and your house at other.
Wouldnt take much more really.


Thanks,
I have tempary coverd in down the top of fence and the top part at both ends just because I don't want the snow blowing in. But the hole thing stops 4 foot from house wall! (It was a car port i took down at work and brought home! So didn't get to pick how long the sheets where.)
The mrs does not like the look of it even more with sides on :(
So there only temp!

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/1050D31A-F33C-46DE-94C8-51EB0E5AEDEB-4845-0000067C845044F8.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/5A62B4FD-D739-40D4-B1CC-2EE56C052EC0-4845-0000067C89D243E5.jpg

[Andy]

Ah i see,i thought it went to the wall sorry.
Its still good though!

[kent14sr]

Spot on Martin - no excuse for not getting on with it now :-)

[Martin.p]

I've been busy making a trolley for moving the engine about tonight.

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/A934DCFF-1BDB-48A3-ABC2-8C28B663B31C-4845-0000068050D242CE.jpg

This way I can keep the lump in my little shead and push it in and out from under bench! I made two straps and fixed it down to trolley so it didn't keep falling over (as they alway do) this way it's in the dry and out the way while work is done on car. When I do the engine ill probably use my dads engine stand. But this will also come in handy when getting lump under car for fitting ;)

[Martin.p]

Today I've managed to get all the dash out

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/6A7DBE5A-9027-4808-9D32-A7337B997C2B-642-00000059B9C670BC.jpg

[Spudly]

Looking good there bud, just read both pages, and you do realise that H reg was the change over reg, you get both mk1 and mk2's on an H reg, so a full mk1 GTE would not look out of place at all :thumb:

[kent14sr]

I think a full on XE'd mk1 GTE rep would look great in this colour!

[L33 LEG]

Love what you've done to the garden, really nice sized area to work in now. Good idea with the roof aswell, i always wanted to have a roof over part of my drive but they always look messy :(

Liking the car aswell, i like the wheels and colour. Sorry if i've missed but is it staying that colour or going red?

[Martin.p]

Thanks chaps,
I didn't know that you could get mk1 & mk2 on a H!!

I don't know what to do at the min :/

I do miss my old GTE. But I did always want a mk2 because I prefer the head lights! But I do prefer the mk1 dash. And the GTE rear bumper but the GSI front bumper.
I love the black panel between the lights! I think it looks great on novas!

As for the colour I'm still undecided :/
I'm not a big fan of the colour it is but it has been growing on me! I've had a few other colours in mind
I was going to do it a dark red like this
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/5911CF85-2556-402A-89D5-29F9BB7227F8-11097-0000115F64F16129.jpg

But now I'm thinking of doing the same as my cally (engine colour as well)
Which is jungle green. Like this
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/12353835-10E0-47F3-A0CA-23A2A6F3558E-642-000000769528DA87.jpg

I don't now if I want to build a pure replica of something it's not. It's a luxe with a xe in it. It's never going to be a real GTE or GSI!

If I had a GTE and I pulled the engine out and put a xe in it wouldn't be a proper original GTE anymore in my opinion.

I guess what I'm building is a 2.0l nova that has all the bits I loved about my GTE on a mk2 body! Maybe it should be called a GTSi :D

[L33 LEG]

Just build one that you like the look of, GTE rear end with GSi front is probably the best of the bunch. That green would suit it perfectly aswell!

[Martin.p]

Thinking of matching my cally colours!

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/3D5BAF4A-3D46-422F-B103-3001DB99F833-642-000000818D890750.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/4DB2F926-2B7F-43FB-A049-827D8F00A965-642-000000819F4BEB8C.jpg
Possibly interior colour as well

[pie]

cavy is satin red buddy :)

never seen a nova that colour

[Martin.p]

I found this pic,
It gives a idea of what it would look like! Even thought its not quite the same!
I quite like it tbh

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/C1DB3DC8-E8F4-4403-9024-1EC27039CF71-642-0000008EE3A224B4.jpg

[pie]

looks kool

if you like dark red why not try bordeaux red

another cav gsi colour abit darker than satin red tho

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/540664_3089451522353_1716020721_n.jpg

[Spudly]

Thats a very unflattering pic of my favourite ever nova, here, have the original.......


(Calypso Red btw :d)

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/spudly01/G61%20RTT/photoshoot013.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/spudly01/G61%20RTT/photoshoot091.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/spudly01/G61%20RTT/photoshoot003.jpg





Green on your calibra is Rio Verde btw, not jungle :p

[Martin.p]

I like all the reds above! Very much! That GTE looks the nuts!!!

I beg to differ with you spudly. (Going by my paint code on slam panel and pain guide) rio verde is a lighter green. I have a pic of my cally next to one (somewhere)
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/621F7271-0C87-452A-ABA4-31C2E1F375C9-931-000000930936CB67.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/8CAB4BE0-3AAD-4198-B483-804F1FEFA1A3-931-000000930E68B19C.jpg

My paint code is E359

[Spudly]

Well i stand corrected, apologies dude, i didnt know they did a different metallic green to RV, and thats Ernie on here's old GTE, ive got the full set from the TV photoshoot when it was featured, i adore that car :d

[Spudly]

Oh and a couple of better pics of A16 for ya too lol



http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/spudly01/Trax%2007/DSC00694.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/spudly01/Trax%2007/DSC00693.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/spudly01/Trax%2007/DSC00695.jpg

[Martin.p]

No need to apologise chap, it's not a very popular green! I've seen loads of RV and only come across 2 other callys in jungle green in 5yr

I saw that GTE on a thread on here the other day ' let's see GTE' (iirc) and I took it as a screen shot because I'm still tying to decide what colour to do it. I do really like it! And was set on that colour till this morning laying in bed!
When I thought, I hope to spray the cally one day (in green)!! So why not have the nova in green and make them a matching pair! Could even tow nova to shows on A frame with cally. And I'd have paint hanging about for touch ups!








But I do like the reds :/



Oh.... I just don't know:(

[Martin.p]

Thanks for the pics spudly!
There great!
Here are some I've collected
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/1E5A7342-B24E-4A1A-A46F-BB47F8F35005-931-0000009E1A18742F.jpg


As you can see I've mixed my red GTE and my 1.4 into them! I keep flicking back and forwards through them trying to decide!

The light blue is nice! But reminds me of blue Cantrell lol

http://youtu.be/wfTC2o05OEw

[Martin.p]

Got a bit more stripped today!

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/752A19E6-D046-4177-AEC1-EF67FEAD719B-1732-000001B1DA3AA58B.jpg

Not looking good at all

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/BE14A246-47F4-41F3-B184-0DEB0D4912C6-1732-000001B1ECE95BA9.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/E2EEF427-FEFB-433F-9F58-3F8258ADA2AD-1732-000001B1E3EECC14.jpg


Then made a start on the spit. Got one frame made up! Then got told my time was up and I had to come in for dinner :( not alowed out again as its s work night :(

:D
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/124B93C3-CD66-416B-824F-F0C5583307A7-1732-000001B1FDB681A1.jpg

[conza123]

i like the way the patch has gone rusty on the front panel

[kent14sr]

Looking good Martin!!

[Martin.p]

i like the way the patch has gone rusty on the front panel

Ha, past owner repair job, (at least he did)

Lots of other areas of rust to address as well. :(

[Martin.p]

Looking good Martin!!

Thanks chap :)

[Martin.p]

Got the car on the spit at last.

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/1ED27090-1E79-4906-9360-44B49474F2AB-199-000000188FBEA0C4.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/0BE74553-96F8-41FD-BBA3-87BE663A4247-199-000000189B11A528.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/79AF08D8-CE46-465B-9F51-4A584E19B06C-199-00000018A0AD11DA.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/EEF291DA-1CA5-4098-936B-151DD9980F9A-199-00000018ADEE6CC4.jpg


And found someone who will come sandblast it for £100 beer tokens

[Martin.p]

Hi, I could do with some advice on painting the car and getting things ready.
1st up the order I think things need to get done in.

1.get car sandblasted
2.get car painted with something befor it all starts to rust.
3.start cutting out all the rot and weld in new parts
4.fill/grind/flat repairs and high build prime the hole car.
5.paint/clear coat

things im unsure about are what to paint on it strait after sandblast? I need to stitch weld the car and read about 'weld through zink primer'?? or do I use a etch primer?? or zink then weld then etch???

Im planning on 2k paint finish. (a dark green (if that makes any difference)
I guess because there will be no paint on the car ,It wont be able to react with old. so what primer DO I want to be using??

I did wounder if I should stich weld it all pronto while bare metal then prime and just clean back parts to weld as I go around car??

Ive been reading threads on loads of sites and read so many things now im lost.

I just need to be getting myself ready so when its blasted its not sat there wile I work out next stage.

any help will be much appreciated .

[Martin.p]

Can someone advise me on how to go about fixing this please! Meaning which bit to weld in first? Order of attack? I'm not quite sure what to do.

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/B3114E12-3F82-4C72-8133-F3507F1B8122-5919-000008E3F335D940.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/7D875221-19D1-44D5-B06B-8BA726A04D11-5919-000008E3FBE9E468.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/A94892EB-2CEF-4CA7-ADC3-874B58A91AB4-5919-000008E40692164A.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/73141CF8-6DCC-4264-9379-621FC80BC3BB-5919-000008E40E2A31E9.jpg

[Edd]

I would chop all that out and get 2 of these and rebuild the lot

http://www.mmdronten.nl/webshop/index.php?merk=Opel&koppel=Corsa+A+83-90&groep=11&artid=9216

[Martin.p]

Thanks.
But, I see the round spring mounting plate. And that's good to know. But I'm most concerned about the chassie rail. (I couldn't see that on link if it was?)

[Edd]

You'll have to make your own

[kevster]

Cut it out run mk2 or mk1 escort rear turrets , then repair the leg this is what I have done . Or start on the leg then add to it to build up the strength there .

[jimbob-mcgrew]

ooo she's a dirty rusty bitch !

[Martin.p]

Thanks kevster

Yeah she's Defo a rusty one!

[kevster]

Have a look at my wip thread think thers pics there

[Martin.p]

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/5DDE3195-C930-4FFB-A926-8D2E63B68578-3579-00000595DF489EA2-1.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/F869BE53-052D-4908-8A1E-EA62BA4D7F34-3579-00000595D55E9E94-1.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/4C9B9029-E4ED-4C37-A3FE-DDA7400C1C12-3579-00000595F695F756.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/9E731726-5AFD-4A00-875C-96AC911560D3-3579-00000595FF5F6D91.jpg


http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/7C57D773-4E28-49BC-B9F2-48A5333268FB-3579-000005963890BF9E.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/91D07EBB-D549-43C8-97EE-FD883DC21241-3579-000005962D4562D9.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/06FF9C4E-3418-4662-8F43-A7430E00A1B3-3579-000005960D5BA7C5.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/1F1B27C9-31B1-45A7-8BCF-F60C32610CAB-3579-000005964B000640.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/401BB915-5872-4624-8D72-C0AFACA3097E-3579-0000059650A4AB95.jpg

I've been concerned about loosing the shape of the rail and the orientation of the spring mount.
So....
As you can see I've try'd to cut out and shape the rear rail.
I'm planning on welding the new plate in at the back edge (inside rail) while its clamped tight to the back of spring mount. Then weld on new arch piece and join to my new rail. That way ill have the front corner rebuilt then cut out the remaining rust out of the underside of rail (revelling my new plate) and weld any good edges back to my plate I've just made.
(Hope that makes sense)


Will this be ok???? Opinions please.
Thanks

[kent14sr]

Looks like it will be stronger than when it left Spain !

[Martin.p]

I do hope so!

[kent14sr]

With my limited knowlege on welding I would be doing exactly what you are, I guess you need to ensure all rotten metal is removed once your new section is welded in.

As I said - I am sure it will be stronger than when it left Spain!

[Martin.p]

Bit of a update.

Cut even more away.

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/90BAF3D6-9D9D-42DE-B3A4-912B3D4746FC-1546-000002EF9F554CE3.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/D36842C7-7063-43C6-9C2D-8EA991E2EE97-1546-000002EFB940EA12.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/7429E507-5731-42F1-9A95-5D8C1D288B4E-1546-000002EFCA11F5A0.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/8655AF14-DAC5-4B76-8C15-C29E813D7B52-1546-000002EFDCFBE9E0.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/DC26C57D-69B2-4E9D-99B1-7FA866FB6239-1546-000002F0015DDB5F.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/3CDC5E66-D10E-45CA-B97A-A0D219B39FD2-1546-000002F01B3FC2F9.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/E9CEB0F2-406C-44D3-8DD8-60562E8A37D8-1546-000002F027CA76A5.jpg

Sorted out gear linkage.
Old one was held together with zip ties! So was a must do mod
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/640FAA1A-6CCE-468B-AEE0-A58C56702084-1546-000002F080A98F00.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/CF296234-03A2-4F09-93CD-8414D752D9E5-1546-000002F09010D65D.jpg

Got the rear mount sorted.

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/B3A76CAC-C8A7-4614-9F97-2C3E2281025F-1546-000002F0C244355C.jpg

And the best bit!
I've got rid of the under seal!
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/B77B517D-AC55-4374-AB02-18606000BACF-1546-000002F05CB68294.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/A1BFFBB5-7985-4670-965D-5ED514F527C8-1546-000002F067934FA8.jpg

[NOVADOSE16]

Your doing a great job there. I'm doing exactly the same on mine at the moment, i'm starting at the front and working my way to the back. Finding plenty of rust too!

Keep up the good work it will be worth it.

[Martin.p]

Thanks, :)

Got a link?

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/0E74FB08-8832-4504-9B4D-AD9CFF9F42ED-2706-00000487CA065BB5.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/8F3BAEE2-C928-497D-A200-F8581A065576-2706-00000487E073CAC5.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/7E54FE74-CBD7-4B82-ACF3-AB9B8539F2B6-2706-00000487D8BE4921.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/92AFC8AE-2869-4F8C-99E0-1E7FF60A52FA-2706-00000487E94D401D.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/D883B1D6-F853-4B53-958D-AF03BC5B806E-2706-0000048807D8415F.jpg

[Iain]

Good repairs and shell prep, liking the updates!

[Balley]

Love the work you did to the chassis leg!

[marc69]

Great thread and a thorough job. Sorry for you that it's a typical mk2 (rusty) but it seems from that brilliant chassis leg repair you'll overcome anything!

[Martin.p]

Thanks chaps. :)
Still got other leg to do. And plenty more.
now all the under seal is off I feel much better about the hole project and updates should keep coming fast. B-)

[PicklesSE8]

Great work mate, the amount of work you're putting into it now will be well worth it in the long term!

[Martin.p]

Hello pickles,
Thanks mate.
I'm feeling that all this hard work is owed to me in lots of fun driving when it's done! (I'm sure it will be as well)
Ill let ya have a go when it's done. :)

[w88rdy]

Looking good mate, keep it up

[novadave24]

good work mate looking good :)

[gary_126]

Great project. Nice to see people not only repairing novas, but doing them so that it looks original. Thats a decent job you have done to the rear chassis leg. (oh and nice to see another person rose jointing the gear linkage the correct way :D )

[Martin.p]

^^^^ thanks :)

Not sure what people's opinion on this will be.... But what the hell, here goes.
I'll let the pics do the talking.


http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/BFF4F2F0-B8AD-4901-B1E3-D78828E61AFB-3484-0000057403C1D4FC.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/6EB84D28-F9EE-4ACD-8BDD-65D8C7D04DD9-3484-000005740ADC9AE5.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/79611856-E5F4-47D3-89E8-6642CB09C0C3-3484-0000057410FE7AB2.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/5BFA4B36-9FFC-4EBE-B8BE-021FB24018D8-3484-0000057418D07493.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/F6BAE0CD-A978-42EA-AE73-D5FDFE4B804A-3484-0000057421289EA9.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/D3CC1242-7B1D-47CA-BD5F-FA65E190D854-3484-0000057427A4E8F9.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/A985E6CC-5FED-49D6-AF95-D856223C7720-3484-000005742E399E62-1.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/0B80F8B2-CCEF-4C05-B3A8-A40614BCB6F2-3484-00000574348A754D-1.jpg

It took ages to find enough pics to use as references to be able to map out the parts I need.
I also found this pic
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/E57BCC32-8480-4239-9AA9-A7E5D3198528-3484-00000577F9DAD248.jpg

It's not one that comes in the kits I've looked at.

It's not in this kit for sure.

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/87C01EB2-7113-4FE2-97A6-4452D2CDEE3F-3484-000005789E718BF4.jpg

Even though it shows a few more than most kits show or advatise.

It may be the folded wedge shape triangle one that's just been misplaced?!

Either way I plan to be adding it to my car.

[kent14sr]

Nice work Martin - its coming on great!

[gary_126]

Ive never seen a passenger turret strengthened like the above pic, so its probably not needed. I will send you a link that has excellent shell prep info

[Martin.p]

Thanks Gary. :) got pm,

[Martin.p]

Well I'm still at it,
Not updated much as I've been breaking my Calibra.
Now the nova will be a turbo nova!!
Engine was fully rebuilt last yr had new hone, rings, shells, big ends, pistons chemically cleaned, head skimmed, valves seated, all new gaskets and seals, cam belt kit, xe inlet cam retarded on vernier, hybrid turbo, uprated actuator, 8.1 FMIC. Can't think what else.
Was 253bhp befor rebuild (or new turbo)
Not been tested since (yet)

Anyway,

I've repaired lots of holes like this one

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/82A3C7B5-1FD4-47EE-B6F2-C8D4BF72521C-4815-000006B2D3CFC7A8.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/695F3C37-12D6-4B7F-8F3D-E8FAF590C2D2-4815-000006B2EB6BA49D.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/AA4F933D-72D6-45CE-A6E6-3C525F89EB84-4815-000006B2FC6D5ED3.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/9B362079-2623-41EA-AE7C-411DA28FE43E-4815-000006B319C3CA98.jpg

Spent a bit of time under front wing

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/1ECACD8F-59FE-4BA3-AD6F-5A3E03F12EEB-4815-000006B331A19239.jpg

To this

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/33D75EA1-56F9-4EBE-A481-CD14196E8C1A-4815-000006B3444B5177.jpg

Made a cut out for alternator

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/003F031E-A407-421F-BC47-135AE03179EC-4815-000006B35543DB52.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/7FB6BF87-8361-423F-9439-329D254339ED-4815-000006B828932084.jpg

Been working under rear arch as well.

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/A6E9DCA3-D73F-4D9A-846A-46619F899E8C-4815-000006B7E2809DCA.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/2E459D93-3D13-4684-9034-F07D9D40881C-4815-000006B7F71FD0AC.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/9C79FCEF-7F5D-4F41-B840-530DAF85DDF4-4815-000006B805A0CDFC.jpg

Now

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/F31F74F9-1EE7-41F5-B235-BD0C2A5D034A-4815-000006B8123A7A51.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/421CD314-186D-4707-94F9-09261AC72D39-4815-000006B81C7023B7.jpg

[Martin.p]

I've been looking at paint.

I'm thinking of doing the car blue now.
Because....
It has to go with cream interior!
And blue hoses on engine.

So thinking light blue car, with the dark blue hoses on engine, with dark blue calipers behind white wheels.

So I bought 2 blues tonight. And did a test on each wing!

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/79A960F2-9827-4644-9406-D12719176104-4815-000006ADC4D08C90.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/53F8E514-1E8B-4EA4-A5A3-3CBFEF7FE453-4815-000006ADCC594126.jpg

The engine it has to contrast against.

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/E822531E-B8FE-42CF-9FB9-9442B6F79AE7-4815-000006AE04EE5FCD.jpg

And some samples.

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/A01084F2-81EB-41C0-9132-42AD2802423C-4815-000006ADE68BE305.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/08F10D82-BFA7-4C23-8E7C-FC64EBA0E27B-4815-000006ADDBB02514.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/4A309C07-3D82-45C9-A139-3AC76942BB62-4815-000006ADF290E077.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/B9DA8927-8CB4-4516-BE73-24C99CF8986E-4815-000006ADF913DE89.jpg

^^
Lighter blue then darker blue with pipe then wheel

Light blue is a Ford paint (olimpic blue)
Darker is a rover paint (pageant mid blue)

To me the light is to light and the darker is to dark.

Suggestions please.

Anyone know what this blue is called
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/B6D6FC8A-ECED-4D68-B05B-092D7418A1E7-4815-000006B3C9DE4971.jpg

[Llew]

If you've got the paint code go onto paints4u and they'll source it for you, i picked up my nordic blue after messing around with the wrong ones for £11 !

[Balley]

I like the light blue. Looks a bit different. Great work on the welding too!

[gary_126]

Porsche riviera blue would get my vote given the criteria! have a look on google images

[Martin.p]

^^^ just have!!

That might be just what I'm looking for!!

Thanks

[jimbob-mcgrew]

damn, that's one rusty bitch, goodstuff for sorting her out.
you've done a good job by the looks of it :thumb:
crazy let heart transplant too - nutter :)

[Martin.p]

:D :D ^^^

Thanks gary_126 for paint suggestion!

Is was a choice between there's two

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/7A7D2CAE-5F22-4659-B950-88FB29DA5CD3-2211-00000277564BD386.jpg

BUT enter the porch riviera blue. (L39E)
Which is darker than the ford riviera blue.

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/CD7B11AC-B420-4FE5-B1E4-311C919A5E83-2211-0000027969F7E262.jpg

The middle one!!

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/E0210612-9F8B-4DB3-9F88-DA500B1755E1-2211-000002775C5E9D18.jpg

And some google pics!
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/1B378ABF-2E3E-46D0-93B9-C1A03BDF2468-2211-00000277481B9AD6.jpg

So porch riviera blue nova it is!!
:)

[Balley]

Good choice on colour.

[Martin.p]

Finally got the intercooler sorted and rad moved to the centre.

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/39C0A341-23AB-4665-B885-6812291478BA-2028-000002C97127E841.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/1356ECAD-5F9A-4584-900D-70E207C92130-2028-000002C97939A84D.jpg

I've been looking at paints and spraying for months now.
And I recon 2pack is best!
But I'm going to be using acrylic.
I has a lung collaps a few yr ago (from smoking) I spent 2 month in hospital and eventually went under the knife to have it put right.
So I'm going for the less of the evils.
And just to go over the top with safety.
I got this today.
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/780E6BCF-CC2E-4A6E-B9E8-AA8D67C434B5-177-00000009D3208029.jpg

It's a 2hp electric fan that was at a saw mill and picked up all saw dust from several machines and filled a lorry container.
And my god it sucks air in!!!
Recon this would pull in small dogs and maybe a child or two!

The pen the nova is in has 4 sides now and I've fitted the fan through the wall with intent of keeping the paint/fume level to a minimum.
All the air it blows out collects in a bag (plastic woven) so it's like a Hoover bag. :)

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/582DA4B5-32B9-45E6-92DB-A45B7148B2A2-177-00000009E174CAA1.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/00897671-749A-47D8-AFC6-6AF880034165-177-00000009EFB0B71F.jpg

So with extraction fan in place I wet the floor down and started to spray car with barcoat.
(I've used hammarite, por15, acid etch, zink etch primer and some original paint left, an don't want new coats reacting with anything else)

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/5A9D82C7-1689-490A-81F7-0545104EA386-177-00000009C70938D0.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/399FF053-1ACA-4443-93A1-F22227EACA27-177-0000000A0F9E14BE.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/87610AE2-2B11-4EF3-80B9-657D21DD1FD6-177-00000019906C6543.jpg

It's so nice to see it one colour. Even if its a horrid one.
Still better then this

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/FE8234E4-C6C4-40EC-A285-83FFED87D051-426-000000481EE80E1A.jpg

[Benn]

No real need to use the two etch primers, but it looks good. Youll be high build primering on that yes?

After a collaped lung, i think id have got someone else to paint it...

[Martin.p]

The two etch primers have been in different places. Not a all over job. Just where I've been repairing rot.

Just had so many different things added up to this point, just didnt want to take the risk of reaction.

My parents arnt over the moon about me spraying car tbh. It did collaps 8 yr ago now and I do work in dusty conditions at work. And remove asbestos. But I always wear PPE
I just really want to do it myself and not pay someone else.
Your right though Benn. I should really get someone else to do it. That's why I'm taking as many precautions as I can. And not using 2k with naff paper mask or no mask while in a garage with no ventilation.

I bought a twin carbon filter mask paper overalls, gloves ,goggles and spent hrs setting up extractor
Not keen on being dead.
Well not by paint!
I wanna go through the pearly gates on fire in a let nova! :)
So need it built first !

And yes high build primer is next.
Got it here ready.
Evening had got cool.
The polycarbonate roof on the car port is like a conservatory! The pen gets really warm! And the car panels get really warm with it!

Unlike heating the air in a garage and the steel being cold!
And it's free heat and really dry!

Need to spent the rest of this week sorting the wings, bumpers, bonnet, boot and doors for primer as well. Then hope to get it on during the bank holiday weekend coming.

[Novaload_Nick]

Good work I like how your tackling everything yourself

[Martin.p]

Good work I like how your tackling everything yourself


Thank you,

I love being poor. :D

seriously though, thank you! I do make a point of trying to do it myself. Ill have more satisfaction if its 90% right and done myself than it being 100% by the hands of another!

[kent14sr]

Stunning progress Martin - its really taking shape now!

Be really careful with 2K paint; I would suggest an air fed mask is essential, and ensure you dont have any skin exposed whilst spraying.

[Martin.p]

Spent most evenings and most of weekend preping panels.

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/B9124812-40FA-4293-BA74-A663F5EC4E55-867-0000009BD33E32C5.jpg

Primer time

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/57FD0D59-88DD-4F59-8BF2-1E23273C7A28-867-0000009C24F7C5DD.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/950D1E89-8BE8-4073-862D-67DB75B4D417-867-0000009C2C80D5E4.jpg

[_Jake]

Glad the cooler fits mate!

[Martin.p]

Yeah. Much better fit thanks.
Did you hear back from your mate about the GSI bumper?

[_Jake]

He said he's willing to sell it and that i can pm you his number if you like?

[Martin.p]

He said he's willing to sell it and that i can pm you his number if you like?

Yes please :)

[Balley]

Looks well, nice to see you do it your self!

[gary_126]

Top work once again!! A bit of planning, effort, and clever thinking goes a long way. Extraction looks great.

The cars really comming along, and the colour is going to look fantastic!!:thumb:

Looking forward to seeing this car done!

[Benn]

Very nice.

[Martin.p]

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/808452BF-0A55-45CB-99AA-AB0B841C7C3D-7317-000008DC90402702.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/15302B0E-2A39-4156-A035-BF9366798D8E-7317-000008DCACF7832D.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/3147E5CC-A5C4-4F7E-A8B5-5A1B87AAF2FD-7317-000008DCBF071CBD.jpg

[novadave24]

nice I say that is nice :cool:

[Martin.p]

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/E3D5DF35-C13C-430E-9085-31263EFDF43C-8771-00000AAF832C78A9.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/C2244EA8-D8EB-410B-981E-ADD1887F15E5-8771-00000AAF9E9DBEB3.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/AC451E44-4BA6-448A-9798-E5508044B5FD-8771-00000AAFA787BD50.jpg

[Martin.p]

Not had much done car wise for a bit. But making improvements to area to work in. The car port I sprayed car in was great when car was on the spit as when its on its side there was plenty of room. But now the car is on its wheels there is just not enough room to work properly.
So down it can and up with the new workshop.

How it was
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/582DA4B5-32B9-45E6-92DB-A45B7148B2A2-177-00000009E174CAA1.jpg

And on its way down (mainly to get car out)
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/CFEBD1F1-FBCF-4DCB-A585-718724B4EB5E-3149-000003AAC15CDABA.jpg

Car moved to garage while work done

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/CF9E1F33-BA67-4747-B3FA-96691EA57BEF-3149-000003AAD3FAC454.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/CFB7B690-20B8-449A-A65A-D1AAF2327F62-3149-000003AAFFCC19E9.jpg

Where the car was
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/68E0EC69-74ED-4436-B9E6-E8F9FA959F35-3149-000003AB0B0FD120.jpg

Even shead at back had to go :)

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/BC429E0E-945C-4C44-AFB7-DB16A051C074-3149-000003AB42A736FC.jpg

New one going up

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/D13B23BE-EB70-4025-B58C-FF3887FF9038-3149-000003AB4C7D0B6C.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/031BB119-A48E-48D0-BF40-0A5447637515-3149-000003AB58010E08.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/93BCA2AE-9163-450A-ACB5-E4C626DFDBFC-3149-000003AB60678E9E.jpg

Decided this was not quite big enough. So pulled down fence at back end and extended a wee bit more. :)

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/D89321DE-0EA7-4F2B-B50E-0E1AAAF53F18-3149-000003AB69E9D102.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/642C03F5-A55B-425C-869D-097C2720C214-3149-000003AB75257089.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/52842181-DD32-48D3-B42F-AB5A3EF2B32C-3149-000003AB83E7FCB3.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/8149B944-8226-48F3-B727-1FF12F38C120-3149-000003AB9C0C3F28.jpg

Hope to have it done by the weekend and then car can move back in, and work on it can continue.

[_Jake]

looking good mate!

[kent14sr]

Wow!!

Thats going to be a fantastic workshop!!

And it stays a "temporary structure" so the neighbours cant complain - I like it.

[M Sutton]

Awesome work space!

[scott.parker]

Lol my missus would kill me if made that in our garden..

[gary_126]

^^^ what he said!

Looks brilliant! And the car looks just as good in paint, nice colour choice :P

[Martin.p]

^^^ what he said!

Looks brilliant! And the car looks just as good in paint, nice colour choice :P


Thanks everyone :)

Well the paint choice looks cool thanks to...... You!

I'm well pleased with it
:thumb:

[Martin.p]

Well the car is back in its new home. :)
At least there is room to move around it now.

Only problem is the mrs has said she now wants a bird aviary along the other side of house. :( since I've had my way I can't say no!
So another week of building work and no nova time :(

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/922A1C32-39F2-4A9B-A6F6-B6FFF6E53EEB-545-0000004D8297B105-1.jpg

[PicklesSE8]

Looking fantastic mate, that blue really suits it, love the new work area as well!

[Martin.p]

Thanks bud. :)

I must pop over and see you soon. As you can see I've been waaayyy to busy.
Hope yours is going well !?

[Benn]

The new "garage" looks great.
Which arb did you use when doing this?

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/AC451E44-4BA6-448A-9798-E5508044B5FD-8771-00000AAFA787BD50.jpg

[Martin.p]

Thanks :)

The ARB is off a MG/MGF 20mm

[Benn]

Oh right, looks like a easy fit.

[Martin.p]

I had to weld 4 threaded studs to the beam to bolt the brackets down. And I've cut about 30 mm off the ends of the bar where original fixings where. The original holes in the ends of the bar where 90 degree different.

I did take lots of pics of it as I was doing it.
I'll upload them later.

[Jedro]

awesome car awesome 'temporary structure' lol

[Martin.p]

awesome car awesome 'temporary structure' lol

:thumb:


Quick link to putting ARB together.

http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?185728-HOW-TO-Fit-a-secondary-rear-ARB-on-a-Nova-beam/page3

[PicklesSE8]

Thanks bud. :)

I must pop over and see you soon. As you can see I've been waaayyy to busy.
Hope yours is going well !?Yea, going ok mate, slow progress as its a daily driver, currently has the front seats and not much else, gonna get some new shocks and springs after holiday, can't wait to get it lowered and get that quick rack on :) Yea or I'll come over yours and bring your wheels back lol

[Martin.p]

Yea, going ok mate, slow progress as its a daily driver, currently has the front seats and not much else, gonna get some new shocks and springs after holiday, can't wait to get it lowered and get that quick rack on :) Yea or I'll come over yours and bring your wheels back lol

You'll love it with rack and shocks/springs on. And with your other plans its going to look sweet.
:thumb:

By rights I should come get wheels really. As you came here to collect and I was meant to stop at yours after going to meet the other week.
I want my USB charger thing back more tbh. lol

[nova20xe]

cars lloking good mate, cant wait to see it futher down the line

[_Jake]

ARB Idea, stolen :dlol

[Martin.p]

ARB Idea, stolen :dlol

Your welcome Jake. :)


Loom is going back in
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/1747C903-A257-4E2E-827F-AEEDD544E96D-2466-000002DB15A37520.jpg

Made a hole for the LET loom
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/B962F8F0-46BE-4DF6-9328-AB1C769EDFDD-2466-000002DB1FDC1449.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/01B9896E-95B3-46AF-BCAF-CA37B207BBC4-2466-000002DB2C2824A0.jpg


http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/B7357464-5BE9-40F0-86BF-172604C91096-2466-000002DB41DAC884.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/A73AE523-A429-4E55-873B-BCB63511DF9B-2466-000002DB55C4329C.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/963A5A40-7F09-410F-99ED-44EC35CC4CAB-2466-000002DB5F7DE901.jpg

GSI looky likey
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/DD9AAA72-7D88-4197-9FA6-45695AD9A1E0-2466-000002DB6D183C84.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/70D707E0-F064-4FEB-A48E-F3F09CF5EDAF-2466-000002DB73CEFA8C.jpg

Tinted glass while its out.

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/9C07963A-8A87-4EC7-AD46-E264A2C4BA76-2466-000002DB7DD2E953.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/5D1DEA7B-47F5-40DB-95BA-163B2249AB7F-2466-000002DB8589595B.jpg

[scott.parker]

Have you mopped the car down yet?
Looks really shiny in places, but not so on other areas.

Like the colour though, starting to see it coming together.

[Martin.p]

Some bits have been mopped (bonnet, one wing) but most of car has not.

[Benn]

Good work, but as you had them off, could you not have painted the tank, servo and rack?

[Martin.p]

Good work, but as you had them off, could you not have painted the tank, servo and rack?

I thought about it.
But I intend to use this car everyday of the yr. and it's going to get dirty. I don't want a garage ornimant. The more time effort and money I spend making it look the best it could, would make spoiling it by usage a harder thing to deal with.

I did that to the Calibra. I care less about my Mondeo and I drive that everyday.

I'd love your nova Benn! But I'd not want to use it everyday and spoil it.
I want a nova that I can use without feeling bad about it.
I had to strip it to just repair the rot and make it sound enough to hold the c20let.
When its up and running I can go back and do other little jobs if they really bug me.
And I'm probably being a bit inpatient. I'll feel better when I know the car runs.

[Martin.p]

Picked a few goodies tonight. B-)

Screen
Gas bonnet rams
Holy **** rails
Modified turbo inlet
And a cool front set up B-)
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/0FFF94C3-6FBB-4EB1-9839-067917072667-4563-0000051B9D64026C.jpg

Well happy with theses tie beams
There about 3mm thicker than standard and looks like it will hold the front end together well (along with stitch welds and plates)

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/B65B0BA5-4225-4D1F-99C0-CEEFE9FE2AAF-4577-0000051D9E1FFA48.jpg

[Balley]

I like the look of the tie rods and braces. Might have a go doing something similar with mine.

[scott.parker]

That setup is interesting, there custom made, I like that..

[Martin.p]

^^^ I didn't think I'd seen anything like it on other threads befor.

I went with intent of getting a rear beam with discs. But when I saw the front set up, I had to have that first.
Got to save my coupons up again now.

[Tim Harpley]

Interesting set up, also like the rear anti-roll bar. Love the blue you chose for the body :thumb:

[Benn]

I thought about it.
But I intend to use this car everyday of the yr. and it's going to get dirty. I don't want a garage ornimant. The more time effort and money I spend making it look the best it could, would make spoiling it by usage a harder thing to deal with.

I did that to the Calibra. I care less about my Mondeo and I drive that everyday.

I'd love your nova Benn! But I'd not want to use it everyday and spoil it.
I want a nova that I can use without feeling bad about it.
I had to strip it to just repair the rot and make it sound enough to hold the c20let.
When its up and running I can go back and do other little jobs if they really bug me.
And I'm probably being a bit inpatient. I'll feel better when I know the car runs.



I'd have painted them to look better and stop them rusting out... A cars meant to be used, i used mine hard. It's only bonnets and front bumpers than get damaged really.


http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/B962F8F0-46BE-4DF6-9328-AB1C769EDFDD-2466-000002DB1FDC1449.jpg

Ref the above, did you paint the bare metal?

[Martin.p]

Ref the above, did you paint the bare metal?

No, not yet. But there are lots of little bits that need touching up.
:( why :/

[nath2905]

awsome mate... and like everyone else has said that ARB is a nice idea

[PicklesSE8]

Mate that's looking awesome, love that colour!

[Martin.p]

^^ thanks chaps :)

I've been putting a bit of interior in.

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/F45EA27E-C7E4-4666-8D67-C7AA9543BE50-881-000000D8DE653D2D.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/C51C5D29-06CF-4113-ABA3-FCA2BFCA7A7C-881-000000D8F788A572.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/E6DD6F4D-54D6-4C51-B2E6-A4DA60DB7855-881-000000D9355EF8F6.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/9D1FE05C-4FD6-4E54-A384-A97C667C009F-881-000000D93D435391.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/C2280764-7149-490C-B672-93DC19105EDA-881-000000D91CB054ED.jpg

[Martin.p]

Oops.
Just noticed I'd not added these.
This went in a week ago

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/62F10E55-F3E8-4715-B39B-933FC1A3C823-938-000000E02312B9B7.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/6AB8B201-0954-45E2-BCBB-2718333DCA6F-938-000000E04011A891.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/20BB78F7-B3F7-4B74-B828-C85007C6A8F3-938-000000E0D99650B6.jpg

I like it with the top hat cover on but it sits really close to brace. Plus it covers the bit where it says turbo.
:(
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/C7DBC91D-4E15-4BC5-A5EA-ADC6F022AD97-938-000000E0E8507AD2.jpg

So will probably go with this

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/2C8711DC-537A-4D2E-9F91-7B76CF184736-938-000000E1446A5396.jpg

[nath2905]

Doing a cracking job.... are they vectra or astra clocks?

[Balley]

It is looking good.

[Benn]

Use the cover over that brace.. lol And you don't want rust under the loom grommet.

Looking good dude.

[Jeff16v]

Very nice mate, what intercooler is that, it's the perfect length and I need a new one.

[_Jake]

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/C7DBC91D-4E15-4BC5-A5EA-ADC6F022AD97-938-000000E0E8507AD2.jpg

This gets my vote! looking good mate :)

[Martin.p]

Thanks guys. :)

Ref clocks: they 'look' the same as Calibra clocks. Although the Calibra clocks I had where for electric speedo. But you can get mechanical Calibra clocks.
Bought these months ago. Can't remember what they came out of.

The intercooler is a frontera one. I just cut the original fixing mounts off and had new ones welded on.
Beware! Don't cut to deep when cutting original mounts off :/ I learnt the hard way :(

Lol Benn, I wish I could fit cover over brace.
Like jake says the pic with cover gets my vote.
But for function it's going to have to have the brace without cover.
I will paint or seal where I cut through bulk head as well Benn. (In time ;) )
I want to hear it run first. I guess I'm being impatient now.
There is lots I'd like to go back and spend more time on. And money! :D

Thanks balley.

And everyone else. :)


Today I got the exhaust made and bought all fluids. Hope to turn the key within the next week. Cross ya fingers for me lol.

[Martin.p]

Today I turned the key.

Many times..

But in the end she ran. B-)

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/3D6012E5-DC69-49CA-9E38-58B41CF2849D-1674-0000025A8798E099.mp4

[Benn]

I'd run with out the brace, ir it was cover or brace... but sounds good. Glad its running.

[Martin.p]

Thanks Benn,
It's good to hear the engine run again :) last time it ran was 7th of April this yr. just befor it came out the Calibra. And it's only done 3000 mi since I rebuilt it the yr befor.

Ref the cover;
I would of thought keeping the brace would of been better only due to the let up front!?
I do like the cover.
And I have cut the legs off the underside of cover and it sat lower and brace went over it.
So may have both.

Either way, it can't be seen when driving. It's only for my eyes when I check oil etc. so function rains over form

[_Jake]

if you get really stuck i could probably make you a brace up

[Martin.p]

Well.
The car is going for its moment of truth (mot) and engineers report on engine change. It's also going on the rollers for a quick check. All on Wednesday.
Logbook should be back any day soon.

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/BE12CD14-BC13-4881-BAE7-5ECC82021BAA-2270-0000022914EFA03E.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/6D7E856E-0A16-43AD-A357-9D1F3D7D1762-677-00000094A0B4B9A0_zps84748fb3.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/44B1C272-4DFC-4CE6-A556-9295648915BF-677-00000094AA513A50_zps7090429d.jpg
I got the top hat cover to fit under the brace in the end ;)
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/1182CDA1-FE8C-4014-80FD-449A98ADD80C-729-0000009A9DCE7DE8_zps812f33f3.jpg
New plates. (Couldn't resist the small print ;) )
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/88F225E9-23E3-418A-BE00-26CA8F47A0B2-1056-000000FA27DDC32B_zpsc14286ce.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/F5D5B292-DC1B-4D54-B191-6E2091673519-1056-000000FB22F19C1D_zpse270fc35.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/07E268B2-9152-4539-A923-46BF2A895E52-1056-000000FBE7B243E9_zpsee848bfb.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/3D85528B-3FB1-44C0-87D4-244095DCA147-1056-000000FBDEA0C362_zps755935ec.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/E71BDA47-6006-4F95-9ADF-225138832846-1056-000000FC108E751E_zps253d72aa.jpg

Quite a change in a yr.
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/C8D787E6-5FFF-4766-9FD1-6BBBBC6F0EE1-2270-00000229385C6F46.jpg

[millworm]

Stunning mate, those mud flaps look better on your car than they would have on mine :)

[Martin.p]

Thanks :)
im well pleased with them too.

[Benn]

Can i ask, do you have self tappers thru the side bumper mounts? :eek: Only thing that lets it down.
The rest is really good, you've done really well, new plates look sooooo much better. Nice work on the clocks too.

[Martin.p]

Thanks :)
They are alen key head's bolts. As all the clips where broken. They where on the car when I bought it.
They do look a little odd I admit.

[Benn]

Ah dude you gotta fix that, usat looks a bodge. You've put so much work into the rest, why leave them. SR bumpers are easy to get, so either get more. Or glue/bond/plastic weld the blocks/clips up on the back...

I dont mean to be harsh either.

[Martin.p]

It's ok, don't think ya being harsh.

I'll get them sorted one day. I'd like to get the wheels redone. The tints are not spot on in places. There are a few jobs I need/like to go back on.
I just wanted to get it on the road first. Then keep working at at. I don't really see it as a thing that will ever be 100% done. There is always going to be something to correct/ repair
:)

[Shamish82]

Just read this from start to finish last night. Absolutely superb hope all goes well on Wednesday so u can enjoy what weather we have left. Well done :thumb:

[Martin.p]

Thanks ^^^ :)

well ill the car mot was put back a day as the bloke ran out of time, despite being booked a week ago.
So it was done today. ....



and ..


failed :(

splits in track rod gaiters
low reading on rear off side brake
and both beam image's incorrect. Been told its due to cheap patten parts!

[pie]

hats off to you sir :thumb:

[Shamish82]

Still great work tho

[7ova]

Not failed on much really
Not massive jobs to fix
And it could have been worse
Think positive

[Martin.p]

Thanks,

your right, it's not failed on much really. All the things are quite simple to fix as well.
To night I replaced both track rodends and tracked it back up. Lastnight I stripped the rear drum down, found that the automatic adjuster hadn't opened its self. So the small movement on the cylinder made the shoes only just touch the drum wall. All cleaned up refitted. 90% sure it's sorted now.
Have to hope for now.
Ive got a head light on the way, to replace the one naff one.
and tonight I found our why the other light failed!
it was because of the bulb!!
Here is the bulb that was in car at time of test (left) and what I changed it to tonight! (Right)

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/2234EE1B-7837-4517-B19A-ACF30495C4DB-2059-00000205F1DC6FBC_zps3721deb9.jpg

And this is the difference in patten from each bulb

the one at test
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/6FD1ED62-1873-4EB0-B4B7-BF3975F441E6-2059-00000205D748BC68_zpsa71d4eb6.jpg

the one I fitted tonight

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/2B603744-7803-4D15-94F2-44ADF58FF610-2059-00000205CB0E9076_zpse2657cf3.jpg

wouldn't of thought a bulb that was ment to just be slightly blue would of made a difference to patten. Probably more like poorly made. :D

[Ernie]

Just read through the whole build and well done.
Was nice to see some pics of my old gte and Im sure I even sent one of the original reg plates to spud as he liked the car so much.

[Martin.p]

Just read through the whole build and well done.
Was nice to see some pics of my old gte and Im sure I even sent one of the original reg plates to spud as he liked the car so much.

you saying, you used to own my old GTE (G789 APK)?
I have more pics of it somewhere if your intrested.
I bought it off a girl in Norwich for £600 in 1997-1998

[Ernie]

No lol I build g61rtt

[Martin.p]

No lol I build g61rtt


http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/019AF8A4-10A7-4956-8777-D599F8143043-2597-0000032974D21B50_zps4089e20c.jpg

[Ernie]

Lol

[gary_126]

Havent seen this in a while, good progress. Not keen on the cream leather. What carpet is in it? gte?

[Martin.p]

Thanks,
yes, the carpet came from a GTE. Got it for free :)
the cream leather is not to everyone's taste. But if we all liked the same thing our cars would all look the same.
An that would be boring.
I like it. :)

[Benn]

I'm impressed with the fitment of the leather, looks very good.

[gary_126]

Thanks,
yes, the carpet came from a GTE. Got it for free :)
the cream leather is not to everyone's taste. But if we all liked the same thing our cars would all look the same.
An that would be boring.
I like it. :)

Agreed! Hope your enjoying it after all the hard work and effort.

[scott.parker]

I quite like the se7 leather, especially impressed with the door cappings.
Looks factory.

[Martin.p]

Thanks ^^^ :)

well today day the car went for a retest.
and PASSED

:) :) :)

[_Jake]

Looking good mate :)

[Martin.p]

Finally, the day has come :-)

today the car has been taxed. Silly thing I know to do it mid month, but I got my xmass bonus today. So spent some of it on myself (early Xmas prezzie )

so now 100% road legal

Running issues start here. lol

[gary_126]

Nice one Martin!

[Martin.p]

Well the nova is still going strong. It's done 3000mi in 6 month :) only things that have gone wrong so far are

Boost pipe popped off
plastic surround on seat belt clip in back seat fell apart.
getting the speedo to read right (because I removed the needle from the pre-wound pin )
And had to make adjustment to the rose jointed gear linkage.

Needs tax again at end of the month. So looking forward to another 6 month of good use of my hard work.

[Martin.p]

It's been a while,
cars still running. :)
but it's about to change again.
Ive decided to change from the blue to white. and I'm looking to get a proper spray shop to do it this time. Because I did do a rubbish job of it myself last time haha.
Also changing the cream leather interior. (Which will be for sale)
im after GSI seats! And then getting dash,abc pillars,door cards,door top cappings, Cill covers, centre concole, grab handles all flocked in black.
ive just drove 445mi today and got 2 good wings, GSI front bumper, few other odds and sods and a re-furbed F20 box with a Quaife LSD to fit.
Also recently bought a set of BBS split rims and 4 new toyo proxy T1r's
hopfully find time to start stripping car befor the end of the month.
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/cally%20pics/01914B88-1D42-4E90-9ACD-9197C607AD2A.jpg (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/martinstu/media/cally%20pics/01914B88-1D42-4E90-9ACD-9197C607AD2A.jpg.html)
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/martinstu/cally%20pics/11B14C42-C5E1-4BE1-9D56-94B4E1F0DC7B.jpg (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/martinstu/media/cally%20pics/11B14C42-C5E1-4BE1-9D56-94B4E1F0DC7B.jpg.html)

[gary_126]

Interior plans sound great! Some amount of work changing to white.

[Balley]

Looking good pal, pm'd you about parts.

[Martin.p]

Interior plans sound great! Some amount of work changing to white.

Thanks. Well engines got to come out for gearbox change. And I'll strip the rest of car and see what a shop is going to charge me to do the job.


Looking good pal, pm'd you about parts.
Thanks, replied to pm.
Didnt relalise it was you I was getting parts off yesterday :thumb: